Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system will attain "release to manufacturing" (RTM) status soon, following which it will be made available to different sections of users on different dates, according to an official blog post at the Windows Team Blog. The elusive Windows 7 RTM in its English version will be made available to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers on August 6. It will be available in other languages by October 1. Microsoft further added that Microsoft independent software/hardware vendor partners (ISVs/IHVs), along with TechNet subscribers will also be able to download Windows 7 RTM (English) on Aug. 6. Microsoft's original equipment manufacturer partners (OEMs) will begin receiving Windows 7 two days after RTM, although a fixed date on when exactly the OS gets its RTM status was not mentioned. Windows 7 is on course for an October 22 commercial release, when consumers will be able to buy retail versions of the operating system, as well as PCs and notebooks pre-installed with it.

Source: Windows 7 Team Blog